Open Access

REVIEW

Toward 6G Communication Networks: Terahertz Frequency Challenges and Open Research Issues

Mohammed H. Alsharif¹, Mahmoud A. M. Albreem², Ahmad A. A. Solyman³, Sunghwan Kim^4,*
1 Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Korea
2 Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, A’Sharqiyah University, Ibra, 400, Oman
3 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Istanbul Gelisim University, Avcılar, 34310, Turkey
4 School of Electrical Engineering, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, 44610, Korea
* Corresponding Author: Sunghwan Kim. Email:
(This article belongs to this Special Issue: Advanced 5G Communication System for Transforming Health Care)

Computers, Materials & Continua 2021, 66(3), 2831-2842. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2021.013176

Received 28 July 2020; Accepted 11 September 2020; Issue published 28 December 2020

Abstract

Future networks communication scenarios by the 2030s will include notable applications are three-dimensional (3D) calls, haptics communications, unmanned mobility, tele-operated driving, bio-internet of things, and the Nano-internet of things. Unlike the current scenario in which megahertz bandwidth are sufficient to drive the audio and video components of user applications, the future networks of the 2030s will require bandwidths in several gigahertzes (GHz) (from tens of gigahertz to 1 terahertz [THz]) to perform optimally. Based on the current radio frequency allocation chart, it is not possible to obtain such a wide contiguous radio spectrum below 90 GHz (0.09 THz). Interestingly, these contiguous blocks of radio spectrum are readily available in the higher electromagnetic spectrum, specifically in the Terahertz (THz) frequency band. The major contribution of this study is discussing the substantial issues and key features of THz waves, which include (i) key features and significance of THz frequency; (ii) recent regulatory; (iii) the most promising applications; and (iv) possible open research issues. These research topics were deeply investigated with the aim of providing a specific, synopsis, and encompassing conclusion. Thus, this article will be as a catalyst towards exploring new frontiers for future networks of the 2030s.

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Keywords

Wireless networks; beyond 5G; 6G communications; terahertz waves; terahertz frequency; terahertz communications

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Citations